Question:
Has anybody ever milked the

I did not want to lay it on too thick ,but I am a dramatic sort. I included in my letter to the insurance co. that I am being robbed of being a mother since I can keep up with them to play or go on the playground with them and that if I don't have the surgery they will be robbed of me. There is no one else to care for these four little boys (ages 8, 6, 4, 2) if I get so fat I cannot take care of them very well or if I die from comorbities. I have high cholesterol, a history of gestational diabetes w/ insulin and depression as well as aches and pains and getting short of breath. Has naybody else milked it emotionally regarding their children and found this helpful? PLEASE NEED HELP..I haven't sent this in yet, but I don't want then to be turned off by it and not approve.    — nicole P. (posted on July 29, 2002)

July 29, 2002
Nicole, I understand completely what you are saying. It hurts me to hear my 3 year old say "Bet ya can't catch me mommy" and know that I can't run more than a few feet without gasping for air... Insurance companies are not ran by people, but rather robots programmed only to randomly stamp "approved" or "denied". They are devoid of feeling, but I am pretty sure I heard one of them laughing at me as it put me on hold for the 4th time in a single call, so at least they are humorous! :)
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 29, 2002
I had an insurance company deny a medication once that helped my injured knee. It was the only anti-inflammatory that didn't make me sick with cramping and diarrhea for 3 days after one dose. I layed it on pretty thick, and I think they saw how truly important it was to me and approved it. This was after the doctor's appeal failed too. Anyone with a heart should put some serious consideration into their decision after reading such a letter. I think everyone knows someone who is morbidly obese, and sees how sucky and short their life can be. I would make sure to state specific health problems (which I'm sure you have done). Make sure it is stated in a very mature, serious way. In this, there is no room for any exaggeration or sarcasm. All that you stated in your question is great, but maybe mention that statistically your lifespan is greatly reduced due to the weight. Maybe mention any/all of the failed diets you have been on. What joints hurt? Be specific. Read Sheila Curl's profile, she has an appeal letter that will knock your socks off. From one mom to another,Best Wishes and God Bless!!!
   — Tina B.

July 29, 2002
Personally I don't think it will help. They MAY see you as an "emotional person".... just guessing though. I think your very best bet is to see a lawyer and pay HIM/HER to write a letter to them. Then they will at least take notice. Insurance companies don't give a damn about people. It's only money they care about. They will probally yawn and toss your letter... however they will take note of a lawyers!
   — Danmark

July 29, 2002
**********I wrote this one. my children amounted to four sentences out of a three page meticulously detailed letter including more stats and history than you can shake a stick at. I guess my point was that my children are EVERYTHING to me. I didn't know if a pinch of humanity in a letter had ever helped more than just the stats/histories/technical jargon they get day after day.Thank you to everyone who took a moment out of their lives for me a complete stranger. A thousand Blessing. Still need advice/info.
   — nicole P.

July 29, 2002
You are right Susan....I had to fight my husbands employer (self-insured) to get approval and I dealt with the person who approved or dissaproved the insurance for the company. I gave her all the facts...past diet attempts..wl then gains from them..co-morbids and how they affected the quality of life...not to emotional, more factual. I feel that the overly emotional appeals are looked at as whiny, because I believe most people think if we just "ate a salad and exercised" we would be fine!..So cold hard facts! that is the best way to go.
   — Patricia R.

July 30, 2002
hi. I didn't milk it regarding children, b/c i do not have any (I am only 22) but my letter was a little personal. it started out saying "society is not equipped for obese people." and continued to say that movie theatres and adventure parks do not have seats big enough for me. That i am not even able to barely work anymore (I am a waitress part-time as well as a babysitter) I also go to college and was diagnosed with plantar fascitas (heel spurs)b/c of the extra weight, so it makes it hard for me to walk back and forth to class. The extra emotion didn't hinder me at all, i was approved in less than 3 weeks with AETNA insurance! just don't be too dramatic! :) goodluck!
   — Lezlie Y.